Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geology

Winthrop University's Department of Chemistry, Physics and Geology is housed within the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and located in the Sims Science Building. The department offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry, as well as minors in Chemistry, Applied Physics and Geology.

The Major: Students can become professionally-certified graduates by completing one of five Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree tracks:

ACS Biochemistry

ACS Chemistry

ACS Chemistry-Business

ACS Engineering-Physics

ACS Forensic Chemistry

Also, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Biochemistry degree program is available for students wanting to pursue health-related profressions that do not require undergraduate research. Students wanting to prepare for application to medical, dental or pharmacy school should acquire a broad foundation in the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and the social sciences. Chemistry is a popular major for such students since it allows them to complete the pre-professional requirements without taking a large number of courses outside the major. In addition, professional schools accept a higher percentage of chemistry applicants than most other majors.

Finally, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Chemistry degree program of study is available, designed for maximum flexibility to meet a broad array of students' interests or needs.

Student Learning Outcomes: A hallmark of the program is the pursuit and dissemination of national-caliber undergraduate research. The research-centered, engaged-learning experience provides students with nationally recognized professional certification designed to prepare students for industrial and graduate opportunities in fields such as medical and pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, environmental engineering, education, forensics, patent law, energy production, polymers, business, chemicals, bioengineering, materials, chemical engineering, health sciences, cosmetics, ceramics, national defense, foods and flavors, and biomedical research. Chemists represent the nation's largest group of industrial scientists.

Department Highlights and Achievements

August 1, 2013 - Five federal grants, totaling more than $100,000, help three chemistry and one biology faculty members fund undergraduate research projects. Read More...

April 22, 2013 - Winthrop’s chemistry program has been competitively selected to host an American Chemical Society Project SEED program in what is the university’s first ever such award. Read More...

August 16, 2012 - Chemistry major Destinee Johnson selected to attend the DOW-MIT ACCESS program in October. Read More...